He was stretchered off and underwent a CT scan at Kettering General Hospital after banging his head on railings behind the goal.

Boss Shaun Sparrow says the injury to Love “really shook us all up”.

“Jamie is a strong lad who usually picks himself up, shakes his head and carries on,” Sparrow said.

“But it was obvious straight away there was a real problem.

“It really was sickening and puts everything else into perspective.”

Desborough Town boss Ian Walker insists his players “won’t need any motivating” for the match with Kirby Muxloe at the Waterworks Field tomorrow.

Earlier this season, Ar Tarn were thumped 8-0 at Kirby, who are currently third in the table having dropped only two points in their opening seven games.

Walker said: “We want to turn the tables on Kirby and this is probably the right time for us to be playing them.

“I can see confidence coming back into the side and we are looking hard to beat.”

Ar Tarn, who go straight into a home clash with local rivals Harborough Town next Tuesday night, made progress in the NFA Hillier Senior Cup in midweek with a penalty shoot-out win over Wellingborough Town.

Jake Bettles struck to send the match into extra-time after the Doughboys had taken a second-half lead through Mark Pryor before also missing a penalty.

There were no further goals and Ar Tarn booked their place in the next stage by winning the resulting shoot-out 4-2.

Chris Jones, on his home debut after joining from Weldon, saved a spot-kick.

And Walker said: “He looks a good signing.

“Chris made three saves in the first 20 minutes to keep us in the game.”